Your Advisor

Who is my ACADEMIC ADVISOR?

In MyGate, click on the Academics tab and then look for the Student Profile box on the top
left of the page. Information on your Primary Academic Advisor will be listed in this area. NOTE: In the Summer, some Academic Advisors are not available for advising (study abroad,
research, etc.); if you have an immediate advising need and cannot reach your advisor,
please contact your Department Chair for help.

What is ACADEMIC ADVISING?

Academic Advising is the ongoing process of consulting with an Academic Advisor in your academic field(s) in order to make the best decisions to ensure that your
degree and career goals are met. Academic Advising is intended to help you, the student, know and use the resources available here at
Murray State University, so that your higher education experience is as rewarding
as it can be.

Your Academic Advisor will help you to achieve your academic and career goals. Your Academic Advisor is a faculty or staff member in the department that houses your area, major, or minor.
He or she will assist you in making decisions about courses, schedules, and degree
requirements.

Your Primary Academic Advisor will clear your ADVISING HOLD, necessary for REGISTRATION, once you have fulfilled requirements for academic advising, including arranging
and attending an advising session with your Academic Advisor.

What are my RESPONSIBILITIES for ACADEMIC ADVISING?

YOU are the key to your academic success!

Know how and when to contact your advisor. Check posted office hours; know whether
he/she can be reached by phone or e-mail or other means.

Make an advising appointment at least a week before your REGISTRATION date.

See How to Read a RACR (10 minute tutorial) if you have any questions or concerns on reading your RACR.

Be sure that you know the requirements for your degree, area or major/minor, University
Studies. (See Bulletins.) Be sure you keep up with your grades, GPA, progress toward graduation. (Your RACR
shows you all of these!)

Know the deadlines and policies for registration, financial aid, scholarships, tuition
payment, drop/add, withdrawal, as well as for submitting forms for graduation. (SEe
the link to the Registrar's website above for this information.)

Be aware of all university, college/school, and department policies and procedures
that apply to you. (See the Registrar's website for your University Bulletin. Bulletin year is at the top of your RACR.)

Review all course syllabi at the beginning of every term to be sure that you are aware
of the policies and procedures for each class that you take.

ASK QUESTIONS. Your Academic Advisor is here to help, or to direct you to the help you need!

What are my ACADEMIC ADVISOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES?

Your Academic Advisor should be available to meet with you each semester, and should have regular posted
office hours for academic advising. Leave ample time between your advising session
and your registration date! Remember that some advisors have a LOT of advisees.

Your Academic Advisor should be well-versed in your area or major, and should be able to provide you with
advice on selecting courses to reach your academic goals.

Your Academic Advisor should be able to help you to read your RACR and to make sure that you are fulfilling
all needs toward graduation.

Your Academic Advisor should be able to help you to find the resources you need. Establish a good relationship
with your Academic Advisosr and he or she can help you to get the most out of your academic career at Murray
State University.

Remember: your Academic Advisor ADVISES, but YOU make the decisions! You are responsible for your own academic success.

NOTE: In the Summer, some Academic Advisors are not available for advising (study abroad, research, etc.); if you have an immediate
advising need and cannot reach your advisor, please contact your Department Chair
for help.

If you have trouble with your Academic Advisor, see the main Advising page for information on how to get more help.